Is It Time for NASCAR to Finally Pay Its Dues to the Legendary Ricky Rudd?

Ricky Rudd is nothing short of NASCAR’s very own Ironman. He set the bar high with a record-breaking streak of 788 consecutive Cup Series starts, a record that stood until Jeff Gordon surpassed it in 2015. With 906 starts under his belt, he’s second only to Richard Petty’s staggering 1,184. Back in 1977, Rudd burst onto the scene as the Cup Series Rookie of the Year, and he nearly clinched the top spot in the points race in 1991.

His winning spree stretched over 16 seasons from 1983 to 1998, tying for the third-longest winning streak in Cup Series history. In 1998, Rudd’s skill behind the wheel earned him a spot among NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers. Yet, despite his impressive track record, a spot in the Hall of Fame still eludes him. It’s about time NASCAR gives this legendary driver his well-deserved nod.

The illustrious career of Ricky Rudd

NASCAR today would never let it happen, but back when Ricky Rudd stepped into the Cup Series in March 1975, things were a bit more laid-back. A fresh-faced 18-year-old from Virginia, Rudd got his first big break thanks to owner/driver Bill Champion, who brought him to the Carolina 500 in Rockingham, N.C.

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It was a leap into the deep end for Rudd – his first Cup start was also his first professional race ever. Hard to believe, but he had no prior experience before tackling the 500-miler at Rockingham. Picture Rudd back then: a curly-haired, fresh-faced teen in a world where youngsters in fire suits were a rare sight, usually replaced by seasoned, tough-looking veterans. He finished 11th, 56 laps behind, but that was just the start.

Rudd’s knack for racing is clear from his 23 wins, including crown jewels like the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. His bold, aggressive driving style and fiery spirit on the track earned him the nickname “The Rooster” among peers and fans.

Rudd wasn’t just a hit on the track; he was a fan favorite too, bagging the Most Popular Driver award. This honor was a nod to the strong bond he shared with racing buffs. From 1981 to 2005, Rudd was the epitome of commitment, setting a record for the most consecutive starts in the series. His drive to compete took him to the Indianapolis 500, showing off his versatility and eagerness to conquer unique challenges.

Yet, despite his impressive career and fan following, Rudd missed cracking the top five in last year’s ballot.

Richard Petty discussed Ricky Rudd’s Hall of Fame absence

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When Rudd was dubbed NASCAR’s Iron Man in 2002, after racking up 656 consecutive starts, it was a big deal – something that carried more weight than any Iron Man record since. It was a different era, with higher risks – a stark contrast to today’s safer racing environment, thanks to NASCAR’s evolution.

Last year, when asked about the hallmarks of a Hall of Famer, Richard Petty emphasized the importance of longevity. It’s not just about shining bright for a few years; it’s about maintaining that excellence. Appreciating Rudd’s consistency on the track, Petty said, “Few were greater for longer than Rudd, who finished in the top 10 in the Cup series standings — get this — 19 times.”

Rudd was a standout for an impressively long time. Just think about it – he landed in the top 10 in the Cup series standings 19 times. To give you a sense of scale, only Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt have topped that in the modern era. Rudd even outperformed Hall of Famers Bobby Labonte and Dale Earnhardt Jr combined by five seasons. However, despite his long career, Rudd could never actually win a championship. Many opine that might be the reason why the icon is yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame! However, these are just speculations and one cannot say for sure what stands in the driver’s way.

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In Petty’s eyes, Ricky Rudd was an incredible driver for a remarkably long period, and he’s eager to see the day Rudd gets his well-deserved spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.